Landscape Ecology

Tyler Brice ’13, Hannah O’Malley ’12, and Brendyn Meisinger ’13 are studying the landscape ecology of the eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta picta) with Assistant Professor of Biology Aaron R. Krochmal. The project, now in its third year, uses radiotelemtery to document and quantify the means by which C. picta detect, locate and travel to new aquatic habitats when their home habitats become degraded or dry up. By understanding how aquatic turtles use the terrestrial environment when seeking out new habitats, Dr. Krochmal and his students aim to help wildlife managers and habitat conservationists to make informed land use decisions.Dr. Krochmal and his students hosted interested students and local professionals at their field site at Dupont’s Chesapeake Farms, where guests learned about the project and helped the team collect key data.

Related Galleries

Students in Washington College’s Chesapeake Semester explore the ecology, history, and culture of the Chesapeake Bay with immersion experiences. They began their orientation week with an overnight trip to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, a skipjack sail, trot lining for crabs, and discussion with experts on various aspects of the Bay.

The Bermuda Environment (ENV/BIO 221) summer course is cross listed in both environmental studies and biology. It investigates the complex ecology of the Bermuda islands, the impact that human habitation have on their natural history, and methods of addressing current environmental concerns. Major areas of study include coral reef and mangrove community ecology, fisheries and tourism impacts. The course is offered alternate summers and is taught by Donald Munson, Joseph H. McLain Professor of Environmental Studies and Professor of Biology.

Eshan Patel ’13 and Victoria Ruff ’14 spent their summer working with Assistant Professor of Biology Mindy Reynolds researching the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic effects of coexposure to nickel and cobalt.